Here are some pictures from my latest project, a mini-airboat made from a small Jonboat and a paraglider motor. The eventual goal is to have an all-terrain vehicle with wheels that can run on water, land, and ice. This is the first time I’ve worked with a radial engine or done anything with an air-propulsion boat.
The engine is an MZ-34 Paramotor that is rated at around 30hp.
The first step was to get the parts together. The boat hull was small enough that I didn’t even need a trailer! I was able to find it on Craigslist for $100, and it included a bunch of free mice living in the seats!
Here’s the initial setup to verify how things should look.
I constructed a safety cage around the motor and propeller, which also serves as the framework for the rudder.
I also installed a complete electrical system with battery, running lights, headlights, bilge pump, and even a horn!
The entire engine and rudder assembly folds down for easier transport and storage.The wheels are designed to fold up and/or be removable.
Here are the initial on-water tests. The boat still needs a few tweaks and some final adjustments, and I’m still working on a few components for the wheels.